1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. Both 1998 Lotus Elise and 2002 Lotus Elise are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Elise weights approximately 42 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
